Top 10 Awesome ’80s Movies We Want Remade

Recently, a trailer for the 2011 remake of Footloose went loose on the internet, and it reminded us our general movie manifest (and our sentiments towards Hollywood’s penchant for remakes and sequels): please stop making horrible modern versions of our favorite classic films.

However, to play a little devil’s advocate, we conjured up our Top 10 Awesome ’80s Films We Wouldn’t Mind Seeing Remade. As long as the entertainment powers that be did it the right way.

Footloose (2011) Trailer

10. The Wizard (1989)

A young boy with a serious “mental disorder” has an awesome brother who breaks him free from an institution, runs into a cute young girl who recognizes his innate gift for playing video games, and, subsequently, wins a video game tournament for a huge prize amount.

With modern technology and fresh-faced cast, this would be a perfect movie for kids and adults alike. Adults can reminisce and kids can enjoy the fantasy of being a video game hero.

9. Big (1988)

We all probably remember the iconic FAO Schwartz piano-playing/dancing scene in Big, but the rest of the movie is sort of ingenious. Although the whole younger person/older person switch movie has been done tons of times, Big is the best example of how this formula works.

A slightly creepier version with an awkward actor like Michael Cera playing Tom Hanks’ character would be a fun way to play up Cera’s sheepish and perpetual childlike quality.

8. Beetlejuice (1988)

One of Tim Burton’s most infamous films, Beetlejuice is arguably perfect the way it is, but it would still be interesting to see a modern, 3-D remake of the kooky film.

Our pick for the shy goth princess Lydia? A raven-haired version of Emma Watson of Harry Potter fame. And it would be awesome if Beetlejuice himself was played by a goofy rocker like Dave Grohl from [lastfm link_type=”artist_info”]Foo Fighters[/lastfm].

7. The Hunger (1983)

Many would say that this early ’80s vampire flicks was awful and really shouldn’t be touched, but this is one of those rare situations where re-making a movie could actually make it better.

Vamps are all the rage these days and a sexy, slick psychological thriller in New York’s seedy music scene would be perfect for the suspense loving set. Our choices for the blood-thirsty vampire power couple: Angelina Jolie and Jonathan Rhys Meyers.

6. Breakin’ (1984)

Dance films have always been pretty huge and this fun, neon-leotard donning, beat-box blasting film about breakdancing would be a summer blockbuster for the teen audience.

Cast some major teen stars to play Turbo, Ozone, and Kelly, bring in a few pop stars for cameos, and everyone will be breaking out their leg warmers.

5. Coming To America (1988)

John Landis’ film starring Eddie Murphy as an African prince looking slumming it in the United States while looking for his ladylove could easily be revamped for 2011.

We still aren’t sure who could ever replace Eddie Murphy, although with his magical powers of transformation, he might just be able to re-do the role.

4. 9 to 5 (1980)

Every single, sassy lady knows about the working girl blues. Add a Sex & The City-esque twist to this classic film starring Dolly Parton, put a coy, yet comedic bombshell at the helm of the movie like Easy A‘s Emma Stone and you’ve got a perfect matinée chick flick.

3. Teen Witch (1989)

Remaking Teen Witch, the story of a high school girl who is a reincarnated witch with magical powers, would be an ideal comedic route to go for all the Twilight teens who are obsessed with the occult.

2. Do The Right Thing (1989)

Hundreds of you must be throwing your hands up in despair and anger saying, “You can’t remake Do The Right Thing! What a travesty to cinema.” Hey, in our imaginations, we can do whatever we want.

And with our current day bevy of R&B and hip-hop stars plus a re-cast of Samuel L. Jackson as the radio jock, a whole new generation of kids can be educated on the magic of Spike Lee’s movie.

1. Beaches (1988)

This beautiful tear-jerker about a young entertainer girl, her rich friend, and their growing up together is one of the most inspirational films ever to come out of the ’80s.

We’d cast Elle Fanning as the young “rich girl” Hillary and Chloe Moretz as the brash young comedienne, CC Bloom.

Did we miss any? What movies would you want remade? Let us know in the comments!